Method of forming blister pack packaging

Abstract

A method of forming blister pack packaging is provided including providing a thermoplastic material and placing the thermoplastic material between a pair of opposed male and female thermoforming dies, while cooling a portion of at least one of the dies. The cooled portion of the die is positioned to contact the area of the thermoplastic material in which it is desired to avoid distortion.

1 . A method of forming blister pack packaging comprising: 
 providing a substantially planar thermoplastic material, and    placing a portion of the thermoplastic material between a pair of opposed male and female thermoforming dies, while cooling a portion of at least one of the dies, wherein the cooled portion of the die is positioned to contact an area of the thermoplastic material in which it is desired to avoid distortion.    
     
     
         2 . A method of    claim 1    wherein a portion of the male die is cooled.  
     
     
         3 . A method of    claim 2    wherein said portion of the male die is cooled to a temperature between about −10° and 30° C.  
     
     
         4 . A method of    claim 3    wherein said portion of the male die is cooled to a temperature between about 40 and 25° C.  
     
     
         5 . A method of    claim 2    wherein the female die is temperature controlled at a predetermined temperature sufficient to allow thermoforming of the thermoplastic.  
     
     
         6 . A method of    claim 2    wherein the male die includes (a) a metal head that has a bore for the passage of a cooling fluid to cool the metal head, and (b) insulating sidewalls on each side of the metal head.  
     
     
         7 . A method of    claim 6    wherein said cooling fluid is water.  
     
     
         8 . A method of    claim 6    wherein said cooling fluid is a glycol.  
     
     
         9 . A method of    claim 1    wherein the thermoplastic material is preheated prior to being placed between the dies.  
     
     
         10 . A method of    claim 1    wherein the female die is a vacuum forming cavity.  
     
     
         11 . A device for use in forming blister pack packaging comprising 
 (a) a female thermoforming cavity, constructed to be maintained at a predetermined temperature sufficient to thermoform a thermoplastic material; and    (b) a male die, in opposed spaced relation to said female thermoforming cavity, comprising a cooling channel constructed for fluid flow of cooling fluid through the die.